Weekend
Getaways from Renwick

Christchurch - the largest city in South Island was my final destination. An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck Christchurch in 2011, causing severe damage to the entire city. Thus, most parts of this city are now under restoration and there is not much to explore here as of now. I spent the evening with my Stray friends, discussing the highlights of the trip and bidding final adieus over dinner and drinks.In a nutshell...With 150kms of walking and hiking over 2 weeks, temperatures ranging from -2 to +21 degrees Celsius, mesmerising landscapes draped in autumn colours, bungy jumping, sky-diving and hitchhiking for the very first time and loads of strangers who turned friends - solo backpacking in the land of fern-trees, mountains, kiwis and sheep was one hell of an adventure. I must admit that I am totally in love with this country and is truly the best country, of the 18 countries I have visited so far.Read More

Christchurch - the largest city in South Island was my final destination. An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck Christchurch in 2011, causing severe damage to the entire city. Thus, most parts of this city are now under restoration and there is not much to explore here as of now. I spent the evening with my Stray friends, discussing the highlights of the trip and bidding final adieus over dinner and drinks.In a nutshell...With 150kms of walking and hiking over 2 weeks, temperatures ranging from -2 to +21 degrees Celsius, mesmerising landscapes draped in autumn colours, bungy jumping, sky-diving and hitchhiking for the very first time and loads of strangers who turned friends - solo backpacking in the land of fern-trees, mountains, kiwis and sheep was one hell of an adventure. I must admit that I am totally in love with this country and is truly the best country, of the 18 countries I have visited so far.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CHRISTCHURCH We reached Christchurch late in the night around 10pm and the only place open for business was McDonald’s near the airport for take away. After picking up our rental car from Christchurch and getting not so good burgers for dinner we headed to an apartment waiting for us in the city.

The journey till New Zealand was really long. From Bangalore to Sydney via Singapore and then from Sydney to Christchurch. It was worth the distance that Samir and I traveled. We hired our pre-booked car at Christchurch and started our journey in New Zealand. Within no time, we started admiring the beauty of the place. When you get out of an overpopulated city to a city where the population density in one fifth of the former, you find peace everywhere. To add to it, you get to see lakes, sea beach, rocky hills and people welcoming you with a lovely smile.We directly drove to the place that we had booked for the day. It was a spacious place with well- maintained lawn on all its sides. The place that we booked was at a hill top and so we could see the beautiful Christchurch from a good height. The temperature being 15 degrees centigrade, it was cool and comfortable.The weather is slightly unpredictable in New Zealand. The following morning, we woke up to find that it was one of the hottest days. Well, it was summer then. After packing our bags, we headed towards the market place and had our breakfast. For all the dog lovers reading this article, you will be unable to control that smile on your face. Almost every other person had this kid in their family. Look around and you could see friendly dogs of different breed with their human families.

Once the train docks into Chirstchurch, Uber to your acco. Ensure you stay in Central Christchurch, which is the heart of the quake-ravaged city and walking distance from everything. Check out the unique Re:Start mall that's made entirely of shipping containers; the Cardboard Cathedral, which is exactly what it's sounds like; and 185 White Chairs, a memorial to the victims of the 2011 quake. You could also walk to the lovely Botanic gardens and spend a leisurely 2-3 hours admiring nature permed to its finest. Hitch an Uber back. Spend some time walking around CBD because you'll find some lovely street art around every corner.

Hop On To Two Fantastic Days In ChristchurchChristchurch is an artistic delight and a paradise for those who love green spaces. Although it is still working on convalescing from a natural disaster, it is still vibrant and pretty in its own ways. The traffic can sometimes drive you nuts but the locals are warm and cheerful and the many parks and galleries are always welcoming. The Garden City of the South Island is quite a glorious place to be in.

Today take the drive to what can only be described as a spectacular look-out point. At 1000m above sea level one really does have a feeling of being at the top of the world here. Also en route will be a stop at the historic Church of the Good Shepherd, featured on all New Zealand postcards. You will arrive in Christchurch sometime in the late afternoon where you can take a city tour. Spots that will be marked on your map include: Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, Christchurch Gondola, Re-Start Mall and New Regent Street. We will also recommend some great dining in the central city. Overnight Christchurch.

Today after dropping your rental car back to the Wellington base, you say farewell to the North Island and take a 3 hour ferry crossing through the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island of New Zealand. Upon arrival in the South Island, collect a new car. Driving south, head through the Marlborough wine growing region, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc among other varieties. We will mark out some of our favourite establishments for you so that you have the opportunity to visit one of or several of these fantastic wineries. Further down the coast, make a stop in Kaikoura to see some New Zealand fur seals in their natural environment. Also head to our number one Kaikoura look out spot where you will experience the startling beauty of the mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean. You will arrive in Christchurch sometime late afternoon/ early evening. Overnight Christchurch.

The lovely coastal city of Kaikoura, famous for whale watching, is a 2-hour Intercity bus ride away. The bus station is in central Christchurch - easily walkable if you're located centrally. The bus drops you about a kilometer away from WhaleWay Station in Kaikoura where you need to report for the activity (our tour was cancelled since the whales played spoilsport and went off deep into the ocean). You could also take a scenic Kiwirail from Christchurch to Kaikoura.
6. Rotorua Read More

The lovely coastal city of Kaikoura, famous for whale watching, is a 2-hour Intercity bus ride away. The bus station is in central Christchurch - easily walkable if you're located centrally. The bus drops you about a kilometer away from WhaleWay Station in Kaikoura where you need to report for the activity (our tour was cancelled since the whales played spoilsport and went off deep into the ocean). You could also take a scenic Kiwirail from Christchurch to Kaikoura.
6. Rotorua

We took an Intercity Bus to Greymouth to catch one of the best train rides in the world. The bus will pick you up from your accomodation and takes a little over 3 hours to get to Greymouth, well in time for the train. You get a short break in the gorgeous seaside village of Hokitika for breakfast. Make the most of it, because you'll spend most your 4 hour train ride with your jaw dropping to the floor. The TranzAlpine to Christchurch is an absolutely stunning train ride that's worth every penny. You'll cross rivers, mountains, fields and more. There's even a 'viewing carriage' purely for photography. I spent 80% of my time there, coming in only for some hot chocolate and wine.
5. Christchurch Read More

We took an Intercity Bus to Greymouth to catch one of the best train rides in the world. The bus will pick you up from your accomodation and takes a little over 3 hours to get to Greymouth, well in time for the train. You get a short break in the gorgeous seaside village of Hokitika for breakfast. Make the most of it, because you'll spend most your 4 hour train ride with your jaw dropping to the floor. The TranzAlpine to Christchurch is an absolutely stunning train ride that's worth every penny. You'll cross rivers, mountains, fields and more. There's even a 'viewing carriage' purely for photography. I spent 80% of my time there, coming in only for some hot chocolate and wine.
5. Christchurch

About Renwick

By now, my time in the South Island was coming to a close so Anna and I headed over to Renwick in the Marlborough region to sample some of the wines. It was a magnificent afternoon, perhaps one of the best ones I’ve had in years. Drinking wine and having perfectly matched cheeses in perfect weather in what could be the perfect landscape. It’s hard to beat that. Anna even said so herself. But too soon, it had to end. I had to catch the ferry to Wellington the next day and she was off down toward Christchurch.
Read More

By now, my time in the South Island was coming to a close so Anna and I headed over to Renwick in the Marlborough region to sample some of the wines. It was a magnificent afternoon, perhaps one of the best ones I’ve had in years. Drinking wine and having perfectly matched cheeses in perfect weather in what could be the perfect landscape. It’s hard to beat that. Anna even said so herself. But too soon, it had to end. I had to catch the ferry to Wellington the next day and she was off down toward Christchurch.